1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-sulfide derivatives for use as anti-wear additives in lubricant compositions

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a non-acidic, sulfur-containing, phosphorus-containing compound of the formula I 
                         
where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , and R 7  are as defined herein. Such a compound may exhibit improved antiwear performance and thermal stability in lubricating compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of copending applicationSer. No. 13/888,560, filed May 7, 2013, which in turn is a divisionalapplication of application Ser. No. 12/028,878, filed Feb. 1, 2008. Thisapplication also claims the benefit of the earlier filing date ofprovisional application Ser. No. 60/914,162, filed Apr. 26, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to lubricant additives that may be used in alubricating fluid having satisfactory anti-wear characteristics withoutdetrimental surface and toxicological effects. The disclosure alsorelates to the preparation of such lubricant additives and concentratescontaining such lubricant additives, as well as devices lubricated witha lubricating fluid that includes such lubricant additives.

BACKGROUND

The use of sulfur and phosphorus-containing compounds as anti-wearadditives in lubricant compositions is known. In general, the sulfur andphosphorus-containing compounds comprise alkyl acid phosphates, alkylacid thiophosphates, alkyl acid dithiophosphates, and their amine ormetal salts. For example, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) is awell-known sulfur and phosphorus-containing anti-wear agent. Becausezinc is an environmental contaminant, the industry is under pressure tofind novel metal-free (i.e. ashless) antiwear additives. In addition,because these compounds have acidic functionality, the compounds mayactually attack the surface of the metal parts being lubricated and thuscause greater wear or corrosion.

As automobile manufacturers continue to make larger trucks with morepowerful engines the amount of torque applied to the axles of thesevehicles has increased enormously. Accordingly, the Original EquipmentManufacturers (OEM) have placed increased demands on the lubricantindustry to address the increase in torque and extend axle life. Inparticular, what is needed is a lubricant composition having improvedantiwear, thermal stability, and oxidative stability. Furthermore, thereis needed a lubricant composition that can provide improved antiwear andthermal stability as evidenced by automotive screening tests such as theL-37 test ASTM D-6121.

Finally, a more recent problem attributed to known sulfur andphosphorus-containing antiwear compounds relates to their toxicity inlubricant compositions. Due to their acidic nature, such compounds mayattack metal parts lubricated with fluids containing the compounds andthereby cause greater wear and/or corrosion. Accordingly, thesecompounds are typically neutralized with an oil-soluble amine. Theneutralizing amines currently used for this purpose are particularlytoxic, persistent and bioaccumulative. An amine-free, sulfur andphosphorus-containing compound is therefore desirable as anenvironmentally friendly alternative to today's anti-wear additives.

It has now been discovered that certain novel compounds as describedbelow may be readily formulated into lubricating compositions to afforda unique solution for providing desired lubricant performancecharacteristics, such as improved anti-wear performance and good thermalstability while maintaining a low toxicity environmental footprint.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a novel lubricant additive that may becapable of being used at relatively high treatment rates, and that maymeet the anti-wear requirements of Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs) worldwide, including in the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Asia,as well as service fill applications. Such an additive may also have noacid functionality, good thermal stability, and low toxicity.

An embodiment of the present disclosure describes a novel sulfur andphosphorus-containing compound according to the formula I,

or an oil-soluble, tribologically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, orproadditive thereof;

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen (excluding R¹),(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkenyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein said (C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein said (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkenyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl substituents are optionallysubstituted by one to three moieties independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, —(C₁-C₁₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₁₆)alkenyl, —CN, —NR⁸R⁹, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—CO₂R¹⁵, —SO₂NR⁸R⁹, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰ and —CONR⁸R¹¹; wherein R⁸ andR¹¹ of said —CONR⁸R¹¹ group may be taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl;

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are each substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl and said —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionallyinterrupted by one to three elements independently selected from thegroup consisting of —(C═O), —SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, —NR¹⁵,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵; wherein said—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵R⁸ or R⁹ substituents areoptionally substituted by one to three moieties independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, chalcogen, —CF₃, —CN,—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl,—N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂, —N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂-, —N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂,—N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂, —N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂, —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰,SO₂NR⁸R⁹, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and —CONR¹⁰R¹¹; whereinR¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹ group may be taken together with thenitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl;

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ may be taken together with the atom(s) to which theyare attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, wherein said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one to threemoieties selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CF₃, —NO₂, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl,—(C₂-C₆)alkynyl, —C═N—OH, —C═N—O((C₁-C₆)-alkyl), —NR¹⁰R¹¹, —OR¹⁵,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁵, —CONR¹⁰R¹¹,—CONR⁸R¹¹, —SR¹⁰, —SOR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NHCOR¹⁵,—NR¹⁵CONR¹⁰R¹¹, and —NR¹²SO₂R¹⁰, wherein said —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl and—(C₂-C₆)alkynyl moieties of said —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group may beoptionally substituted by one to three R¹⁰ groups, and said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally interrupted by one to threeelements independently selected from the group consisting of —(C═O),—SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, and —NR¹⁵;

wherein R¹⁰ is a substituent selected from the group consisting of—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl R¹⁰substituents are optionally substituted by one to three moietiesindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR¹⁵, and —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

wherein R¹¹ is a substituent selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl R¹¹ radicals are optionally substituted by one to threemoieties independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,halogen, hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH₂, —NHR¹², —NR¹² ₂, OR¹²,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹³, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹³, and—CONR¹³R¹⁴; wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ of —CONR¹³R¹⁴ may be taken together withthe nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl;

wherein R¹² and R¹³ are each independently, hydrogen, or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl;R¹⁴ is hydrogen or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; and

wherein R¹⁵ is a substituent selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl R¹⁵ substituent is optionally substituted by one tothree moieties independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halogen, —CF₃, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl,—N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂, —N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂-, —N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂,—N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂, —N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂, —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰,—CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and —CONR¹⁰R¹¹; wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹group may be taken together with the atoms which they are attached toform a —(C₂-C₉) heterocyclyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ may represent ethyl.

In some embodiments, R⁴ and R⁵ may represent methyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ may represent oleyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ may represent a C₁-C₆ alkyl. Further, in someembodiments, said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be substituted with —OR⁸.

In some embodiments, R⁸ may be a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group.

In some embodiments R⁴ and R⁵ may represent butyl.

In some embodiments R⁶ may represent isopropyl.

The following is a non-limiting list of compounds according to thepresent invention:

-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane,    2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis[5,5-dimethyl-,    2,2′-disulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5,5-dimethyl-2-(2-methylpropoxy)-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5,5-dimethyl-2-oleoxy-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-5,5-dimethyl-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-(cyclohexyloxy)-5,5-dimethyl-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5-butyl-2-ethoxy-5-ethyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane,    2,2′-[1,6-hexanediylbis(oxy)]bis[5,5-dimethyl-, 2,2′-disulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-(allyloxy)-4-methyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-cetoxy, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-methoxy-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5-butyl-5-ethyl-2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-methoxy-4-methyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-methoxy-5,5-dimethyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-methoxy-3-isopropyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5,5-dimethyl-2-(2-propenyloxy)-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane,    2,2′-[1,4-cyclohexanediylbis(oxy)]bis[5,5-dimethyl-, 2,2′-disulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane,    2,2′-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy)]bis[5,5-dimethyl-, 2,2′-disulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5,5-dimethyl-2-(1-methylethoxy)-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-methoxy-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane,    2-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy]-4-methyl-, 2-sulfide;-   posphorothioic acid, cyclic O,O-trimethylene O-2-propynyl ester;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-ethoxy-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-methoxy-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-methoxy-,    2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 5,5-dimethyl-2-propoxy-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-methoxy-4,6-dimethyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-(2-butenyloxy)-5,5-dimethyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-methoxy-5,5-dimethyl-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-, 2-sulfide;-   ethanone,    2-[(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxido-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-2-yl)thio]-1-(2-furanyl)-1-hexen-3-one,4-[(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxido-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-2-yl)thio]-5-methyl-1-phenyl-,1,3,2-Dioxaphosphorinane,    2-(hexadecyloxy)-, 2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane,    2-ethoxy-4-isopropyl-5,5-dimethyl,2-sulfide;-   1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-ethoxy-5,5-dibutyl,2-sulfide; and-   a tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

In an embodiment, a lubricant composition may comprise one or morecompounds according to formula I, or an oil-soluble, tribologicallyacceptable salt or solvate thereof.

In another embodiment, a lubricant additive composition may comprise oneor more compounds according to formula I, or an oil-soluble,tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

In another embodiment, a lubricant composition may comprise a) a majoramount of a base oil; and b) a minor amount of an additive compositioncomprising one or more compounds of formula I or an oil-soluble,tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

In another embodiment, the lubricant and lubricant additive compositionscomprising one or more compounds of formula I, or a tribologicallyacceptable salt or solvate thereof, may further comprise one or more ofthe following: an air expulsion additive, an antioxidant, a corrosioninhibitor, a foam inhibitor, a metallic detergent, an oil-solubleashless dispersant, an organic phosphorus compound, a seal-swell agent,a viscosity index improver, and an extreme pressure additive.

In some embodiments, a lubricant additive may comprise a reactionproduct obtained by the process of reacting 1,3-diols with trialkylphosphites to produce an intermediate, reacting the intermediate with asuitable alcohol, and then with a sulfur source, to produce a compoundof the present disclosure, having formula I.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating a machine part may compriselubricating said machine part with a lubricant composition including acompound of the formula I, or a tribologically acceptable salt orsolvate thereof.

In some embodiments, lubricating a machine part with a compound offormula I further comprises lubricating machine parts selected from thegroup consisting of a gear, an axle, a differential, an engine, acrankshaft, a transmission, or a clutch.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating a transmission with acompound of formula I further comprises lubricating a transmissionselected from the group consisting of an automatic transmission, amanual transmission, an automated manual transmission, a semi-automatictransmission, a dual clutch transmission, a continuously variabletransmission, and a toroidal transmission.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating a transmission componentwith a compound of formula I further comprises lubricating atransmission component selected from the group consisting of acontinuously slipping torque converter clutch, a slipping torqueconverter, a lock-up torque converter, a starting clutch, one or moreshifting clutches, or an electronically controlled converter clutch.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating a gear with a compound offormula I further comprises lubricating a gear selected from the groupconsisting of an automotive gear, a stationary gearbox, and an axle.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating a gear with a compound offormula I further comprises lubricating a gear selected from the groupconsisting of a hypoid gear, a spur gear, a helical gear, a bevel gear,a worm gear, a rack and pinion gear, a planetary gear set, and aninvolute gear.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating a differential with acompound of formula I further comprises lubricating a differentialselected from the group consisting of a straight differential, a turningdifferential, a limited slip differential, a clutch-type limited slipdifferential, and a locking differential.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating an engine with a compoundof formula I further comprises lubricating an engine selected from thegroup consisting of an internal combustion engine, a rotary engine, agas turbine engine, a four-stroke engine, and a two-stroke engine.

In some embodiments, a method of lubricating an engine with a compoundof formula I further comprises lubricating an engine including a piston,a bearing, a crankshaft, and/or a camshaft.

Another embodiment includes a method for testing the lubricantproperties of a composition using a testing apparatus comprisinglubricating said testing apparatus with a lubricant compositioncomprising a compound of the formula I, or a tribologically acceptablesalt or solvate thereof. The test apparatus may include a Brookfieldviscometer, any Vickers Test apparatus, an SAE No. 2 friction testmachine, an electric motor-driven Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatictransmission, ASTM D 471 or D 676 Elastomer Compatibility testequipment, NOACK volatility procedure machine, any test apparatusnecessary for ASTM D 2882, D 5182, D 4172, D3233, and D2782 WearProcedures, ASTM Foaming Procedure apparatus, test apparatus necessaryfor ASTM D 130 Copper Corrosion test, test equipment specified by theInternational Harvester Procedure Method BT-9 Rust Control test, testapparatus required by ASTM D 892 Foaming test, test apparatus requiredby ASTM D 4998 Gear Anti-Wear Performance test, Link M1158 Oil/FrictionMachine, L-33-1 Test Apparatus, L-37 Test Apparatus, L-42 TestApparatus, L-60-1 Test Apparatus, Strama 4-Square Electric Motor-DrivenProcedure Machine, FZG Test Apparatus and parts, SSP-180 ProcedureMachine, test apparatus for ASTM D 5579 High Temperature CyclicDurability Procedure, Sauer-Danfoss Series 22 or Series 90 Axial PistonPump, John Deere Synchro-Plus transmission, an SRV-friction wear tester,a 4-ball test apparatus, an LFW-1 test apparatus, a sprag clutchover-running wear test (SCOWT) apparatus, API CJ-4 engine tests, L-33Moisture Corrosion Test, High-Temperature Cyclic Durability Test (ASTM D5579), 288-hour VE engine oil performance test, L-38 standard lubricanttest, Denison P46 Piston Pump Test Stand, Sundstrand Dynamic CorrosionTest Stand, a block-on-ring test apparatus, and any test apparatusrequired for performing test analysis under Mercon®, Mercon® V, Dexron®III, Dexron® III-H, Caterpillar® TO-4, Allison® C-4, JASO, GF-4, GF-5,MIL-E, MIL-L, and Sequences II through VIII.

In another embodiment, a method for improving the anti-wear propertiesof a lubricating fluid may comprise including in a lubricating fluid aneffective amount of one or more compounds of formula I, or atribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

In another embodiment, a method for improving the anti-wear propertiesof a lubricating fluid while lubricating an automotive componentrequiring lubrication may comprise 1) adding a lubricating fluid to anautomotive component requiring lubrication, said fluid comprising (a) abase oil, and (b) one or more compounds of formula I, or atribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; and 2) operating theautomotive component that contains the fluid, wherein the anti-wearperformance of the fluid is improved relative to the performance of alubricating fluid free of the compound of 1) (b).

In another embodiment, a method of making a lubricant additive maycomprise reacting a 1,3-diol with a trialkyl phosphite to form a1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane; and reacting the 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane withelemental sulfur or an organic sulfur compound to form a2-sulfide-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane.

In another embodiment, a method of making a lubricant additive maycomprise reacting a 1,3-diol with a trialkyl phosphite to form a1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane; reacting the 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane with analcohol to form a reaction product; and reacting the reaction productwith elemental sulfur or an organic sulfur compound to form a2-sulfide-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane.

The disclosed process may include the use of solvents. The solvent maybe any inert fluid substance in which at least one of the reactants issoluble or the product is soluble. Non-limiting examples includebenzene, toluene, xylene, n-hexane, cyclohexane, naphtha, diethyl ethercarbitol, dibutyl ether dioxane, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, carbontetrachloride, chloroform, base oil, such as gas-to-liquid andpolyalphaolefin, and process oil.

A compound of formula I, or a tribologically acceptable salt or solvatethereof may be made at about room temperature (23° C.) or above, forexample at least about 50° C., and as a further example ranging fromabout 50° C. to about 150° C., and as an even further example, fromabout 100° C. to about 120° C.

A compound of formula I, or a tribologically acceptable salt or solvatethereof may be formed separately and then added to a lubricating orfunctional fluid composition. Alternatively, a compound of formula I, ora tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof may be formed whenthe phosphorus-containing compound, such as the disclosed phosphite, isblended, mixed and/or reacted with other components to form thelubricating or functional fluid composition.

A compound of formula I, or a tribologically acceptable salt or solvatethereof may be oil-soluble, i.e., the hydrocarbyl chain of R¹ may be ofsufficient length, such as at least about six carbon atoms, so that theresultant compound is soluble in a formulated composition. Theincorporation of hydrophobic groups may lead to an increase insolubility in a non-polar media.

In an aspect, a compound of formula I, or a tribologically acceptablesalt or solvate thereof may be present in a lubricant composition in anyamount effective to provide antiwear improvement. For example, thecompound may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 10wt. %, for example from about 0.3 to about 8 wt. %, and as a furtherexample from about 0.3 to about 6 wt. % relative to the total weight ofthe lubricant composition. As a further example, a compound of formulaI, or a tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof may be presentin an amount to provide about 150 ppm to 3000 ppm of phosphorus in afinished fluid.

In another embodiment, a lubricant composition may comprise a mixture of(a) a major amount of a lubricating oil; and (b) a minor amount of anadditive composition, comprising a compound having the formula I,

or a tribologically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or proadditivethereof;

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkenyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; whereinsaid (C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; whereinsaid (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkenyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl substituents are optionally substituted by one tothree moieties independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, —(C₁-C₁₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₆)alkenyl, —CN,—NR⁸R⁹, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁵, —SO₂NR⁸R⁹,NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰ and —CONR⁸R¹¹; wherein R⁸ and R¹¹ of said —CONR⁸R¹¹group may be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached toform a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl;

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are each substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl and said —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionallyinterrupted by one to three elements independently selected from thegroup consisting of —(C═O), —SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, —NR¹⁵,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵; wherein said—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵R⁸ or R⁹ substituents areoptionally substituted by one to three moieties independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, chalcogen, —CF₃, —CN,—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl,—N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂, —N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂-, —N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂,—N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂, —N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂, —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰,SO₂NR⁸R⁹, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and —CONR¹⁰R¹¹; whereinR¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹ group may be taken together with thenitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl;

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ may be taken together with the atom(s) to which theyare attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, wherein said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one to threemoieties selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CF₃, —NO₂, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl,—(C₂-C₆)alkynyl, —C═N—OH, —C═N—O((C₁-C₆)-alkyl), —NR¹⁰R¹¹, —OR¹⁵,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁵, —CONR¹⁰R¹¹,—CONR⁸R¹¹, —SR¹⁰, —SOR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NHCOR¹⁵,—NR¹⁵CONR¹⁰R¹¹, and —NR¹²SO₂R¹⁰, wherein said —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl and—(C₂-C₆)alkynyl moieties of said —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group may beoptionally substituted by one to three R¹⁰ groups, and said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally interrupted by one to threeelements independently selected from the group consisting of —(C═O),—SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, and —NR¹⁵;

wherein R¹⁰ is a substituent selected from the group consisting of—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl R¹⁰substituents are optionally substituted by one to three moietiesindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR¹⁵, and —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

wherein R¹¹ is a substituent selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl R¹¹ radicals are optionally substituted by one to threemoieties independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,halogen, hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH₂, —NHR¹², —NR¹² ₂, OR¹²,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹³, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹³, and—CONR¹³R¹⁴; wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ of —CONR¹³R¹⁴ may be taken together withthe nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl;

wherein R¹² and R¹³ are each independently, hydrogen, or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

wherein R¹⁴ is hydrogen or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; and

wherein R¹⁵ is a substituent selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl R¹⁵ substituent is optionally substituted by one tothree moieties independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halogen, —CF₃, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂, —N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂-,—N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂, —N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂, —N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂,—O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and —CONR¹⁰R¹¹; whereinR¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹ group may be taken together with theatoms which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉) heterocyclyl.

In some embodiments, a lubricant composition may comprise a mixture of:(a) a major amount of a lubricating oil; and (b) an anti-wear improvingeffective amount of a thermally stable compound having the formula I.

The present disclosure may also include isotopically-labeled compounds,which are identical to those recited in formula I, but for the fact thatone or more atoms are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or massnumber different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found innature. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds ofthe present disclosure include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen,oxygen, phosphorus, sulfer, fluorine and chlorine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹³C,¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ¹⁷O, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F, and ³⁶Cl, respectively.Compounds of the present disclosure, proadditives thereof, andtribologically acceptable salts of said compounds or of saidproadditives which contain the aforementioned isotopes and/or otherisotopes of other atoms are within the scope of the present disclosure.Phosphorus-31, i.e., ³¹P, and carbon-13, i.e., ¹³C, isotopes areparticularly preferred for their ease of preparation and detectability.Isotopically-labeled compounds of formula I of the present disclosureand proadditives thereof can generally be prepared by carrying out theprocedures disclosed by substituting a readily availableisotopically-labeled reagent for a non-isotopically-labeled reagent.

The present disclosure also relates to the tribologically acceptableacid addition salts of compounds of the formula I. The acids which areused to prepare the tribologically acceptable acid addition salts of theaforementioned base compounds of the present disclosure are those whichform acid addition salts, i.e., salts containing tribologicallyacceptable anions, such as the chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate,sulfate, bisulfate, acetate, lactate, citrate, acid citrate, tartrate,bitartrate, succinate, maleate, fumarate, gluconate, saccharate,benzoate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate,p-toluenesulfonate and pamoate [i.e.,1,1′-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)] salts.

The present disclosure also relates to base addition salts of formula I.The chemical bases that may be used as reagents to preparetribologically acceptable base salts of those compounds of formula Ithat are acidic in nature are those that form base salts with suchcompounds. Such base salts include, but are not limited to cations suchas alkali metal cations (e.g., potassium and sodium) and alkaline earthmetal cations (e.g., calcium and magnesium), ammonium or amine additionsalts such as N-methylglucamine-(meglumine), and alkanolammonium andother base salts of tribologically acceptable organic amines.

The phrase “tribologically acceptable salt(s),” as used herein, unlessotherwise indicated, includes salts of acidic or basic groups which maybe present in the compounds of the present disclosure. The compounds ofthe present disclosure that are basic in nature may be capable offorming a wide variety of salts with various inorganic and organicacids. The acids that may be used to prepare tribologically acceptableacid addition salts of such basic compounds are those that form acidaddition salts, i.e., salts containing tribologically acceptable anions,such as the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, nitrate, sulfate,bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, acetate, lactate,salicylate, citrate, acid citrate, tartrate, pantothenate, bitartrate,ascorbate, succinate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate,glucuronate, saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate,ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate and pamoate [i.e.,1,1′-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)] salts. The compounds of thepresent disclosure that include a basic moiety, such as an amino group,may form tribologically acceptable salts with various amines, inaddition to the acids mentioned above.

The present disclosure also encompasses lubricant or tribologicalcompositions containing proadditives of compounds of the formula I.Compounds of formula I having free amino, amido, hydroxy or carboxylicgroups can be converted into proadditives. Proadditives may includecompounds wherein an amino residue, carbonates, carbamates, amides,alkyl esters, etc. are covalently bonded to the substituents of formulaI but are sufficiently labile under typical lubricant use conditionsthat the proadditive yields a compound of formula I.

The present disclosure may also encompass compounds of formula Icontaining protective groups. One skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that compounds of the present disclosure can also be preparedwith certain protecting groups that are useful for purification orstorage and can be removed before use in the device to be lubricated.The protection and deprotection of functional groups is and “ProtectiveGroups in Organic Synthesis,” 3rd edition, T. W. Greene and P. G. M.Wuts, Wiley-Interscience (1999).

The compounds of the present disclosure may include all stereoisomers(e.g., cis and trans isomers) and all optical isomers of compounds ofthe formula I (e.g., R and S enantiomers), as well as racemic,diastereomeric and other mixtures of such isomers.

The compounds, salts and proadditives of the present disclosure mayexist in several tautomeric forms, including the enol and keto forms, orthe imine and enamine forms, and geometric isomers and mixtures thereof.All such tautomeric forms are included within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Tautomers exist as mixtures of a tautomeric set in solution.In solid form, usually one tautomer predominates. Even though onetautomer may be described, the present disclosure includes all tautomersof the present compounds.

The present disclosure also includes atropisomers of the presentdisclosure. Atropisomers refer to compounds of formula I that may beseparated into rotationally restricted isomers.

The compounds of the present disclosure may contain olefin-like doublebonds. When such bonds are present, the compounds of the presentdisclosure may exist as cis and trans configurations and as mixturesthereof.

The term “interrupted by” refers to compounds in which a ring carbonatom is replaced by an element selected from the group consisting of—(C═O), —SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N═, —NH—, and —NR¹—. For example, if asubstituent is —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, such as

the ring may be interrupted or replaced by a nitrogen heteroatom to formthe following ring:

such that a ring carbon is replaced by the heteroatom nitrogen.Compounds of the present disclosure can accommodate up to three suchreplacements or interruptions.

A “suitable substituent” is intended to mean a chemically andtribologically acceptable functional group, i.e., a moiety that does notnegate the tribological activity of the inventive compounds. Suchsuitable substituents may be routinely selected by those skilled in theart. Illustrative examples of suitable substituents include, but are notlimited to, halo groups, perfluoroalkyl groups, perfluoroalkoxy groups,alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, hydroxy groups, oxogroups, mercapto groups, alkylthio groups, alkoxy groups, aryl orheteroaryl groups, aryloxy or heteroaryloxy groups, aralkyl orheteroaralkyl groups, aralkoxy or heteroaralkoxy groups, HO—(C═O)—groups, amino groups, alkyl- and dialkylamino groups, carbamoyl groups,alkylcarbonyl groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, alkylaminocarbonyl groups,dialkylamino carbonyl groups, arylcarbonyl groups, aryloxycarbonylgroups, alkylsulfonyl groups, arylsulfonyl groups and the like. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that many substituents can besubstituted by additional substituents. Further examples of suitablesubstituents include those recited in the definition of compounds offormula I, including R¹ through R¹⁵, as defined herein.

As used herein, the term “alkyl,” as well as the alkyl moieties of othergroups referred herein (e.g., alkoxy), may be linear or branched (suchas methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl,secondary-butyl, tertiary-butyl); optionally substituted by 1 to 3suitable substituents as defined above such as fluoro, chloro,trifluoromethyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₀)aryloxy, trifluoromethoxy,difluoromethoxy or (C₁-C₆)alkyl. The phrase “each of said alkyl” as usedherein refers to any of the preceding alkyl moieties within a group suchas alkoxy, alkenyl or alkylamino.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to a mono, bicyclic ortricyclic carbocyclic ring (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclopentenyl,cyclohexenyl, bicycloheptanyl, bicyclooctanyl and bicyclononanyl, etc.);optionally containing 1 or 2 double bonds and optionally substituted by1 to 3 suitable substituents as defined above which includes but is notlimited to fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy,(C₆-C₁₀)aryloxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy or (C₁-C₆)alkyl.

As used herein, the term “halogen” includes fluoro, chloro, bromo, oriodo or fluoride, chloride, bromide, or iodide.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” means straight or branched chainunsaturated radicals of 2 to 22 carbon atoms, including, but not limitedto ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl(allyl), iso-propenyl,2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, and the like; optionallysubstituted by 1 to 3 suitable substituents as defined above whichinclude but are not limited to fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl,(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₀)aryloxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy or(C₁-C₆)alkyl.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” is used herein to mean straight orbranched hydrocarbon chain radicals having one triple bond including,but not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, and the like; optionallysubstituted by 1 to 3 suitable substituents as defined above whichinclude but are not limited to fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl,(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₀)aryloxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy or(C₁-C₆)alkyl.

As used herein, the term “carbonyl” or “(C═O)” (as used in phrases suchas alkylcarbonyl, alkyl-(C═O)— or alkoxycarbonyl) refers to the joinderof the >C═O moiety to a second moiety such as an alkyl or amino group(i.e. an amido group). Alkoxycarbonylamino (i.e. alkoxy(C═O)—NH—) refersto an alkyl carbamate group. The carbonyl group is also equivalentlydefined herein as (C═O). Alkylcarbonylamino refers to groups such asacetamide.

As used herein, the term “aryl” means aromatic radicals which includebut are not limited to phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl andthe like; optionally substituted by 1 to 3 suitable substituents asdefined above.

As used herein, the term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic heterocyclicgroup usually with one heteroatom selected from O, S and N in the ring.In addition to said heteroatom, the aromatic group may optionally haveup to four N atoms in the ring. For example, heteroaryl group includespyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, thienyl, furyl,imidazolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl (e.g., 1,3-oxazolyl, 1,2-oxazolyl),thiazolyl (e.g., 1,2-thiazolyl, 1,3-thiazolyl), pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl,triazolyl (e.g., 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl), oxadiazolyl (e.g.,1,2,3-oxadiazolyl), thiadiazolyl (e.g., 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl), quinolyl,isoquinolyl, benzothienyl, benzofuryl, indolyl, and the like; optionallysubstituted by 1 to 3 suitable substituents as defined above whichinclude but are not limited to fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl,(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₀)aryloxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy or(C₁-C₆)alkyl.

The term “heterocyclic” as used herein refers to a cyclic groupcontaining 1-9 carbon atoms and 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from N, P,O, S(O)_(n), or NR. Examples of such rings include dioxaphosphorinane,azetidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl,piperidinyl, piperazinyl, oxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl,thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydrothiazinyl, tetrahydrothiadiazinyl,morpholinyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrodiazinyl, oxazinyl, oxathiazinyl,indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinuclidinyl, chromanyl, isochromanyl,benzoxazinyl, and the like. Examples of said monocyclic saturated orpartially saturated ring systems are 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane,tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, imidazolidin-1-yl,imidazolidin-2-yl, imidazolidin-4-yl, pyrrolidin-2-yl, pyrrolidin-3-yl,piperidin-1-yl, piperidin-2-yl, piperidin-3-yl, piperazin-1-yl,piperazin-2-yl, piperazin-3-yl, 1,3-oxazolidin-3-yl, isothiazolidine,1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl, 1,2-pyrazolidin-2-yl, thiomorpholin-yl,1,2-tetrahydrothiazin-2-yl, 1,3-tetrahydrothiazin-3-yl,tetrahydrothiadiazin-yl, morpholin-yl, 1,2-tetrahydrodiazin-2-yl,1,3-tetrahydrodiazin-1-yl, 1,4-oxazin-2-yl, 1,2,5-oxathiazin-4-yl andthe like; optionally containing 1 or 2 double bonds and optionallysubstituted by 1 to 3 suitable substituents as defined above whichinclude but are not limited to fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl,(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₀)aryloxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy or(C₁-C₆)alkyl.

Nitrogen heteroatoms as used herein refers to —N═, >N and —NH; wherein—N═ refers to a nitrogen double bond; >N refers to a nitrogen containingtwo bond connections and —NH refers to a nitrogen containing one bond.

“Embodiment” as used herein refers to specific groupings of compounds oruses into discrete subgenera. Such subgenera may be cognizable accordingto one particular substituent such as a specific R¹ or R⁴ group. Othersubgenera are cognizable according to combinations of varioussubstituents, such as all compounds wherein R² is hydrogen and R¹ is(C₁-C₆)alkyl.

As used herein, the terms “oil composition,” “lubrication composition,”“lubricating oil composition,” “lubricating oil,” “lubricantcomposition,” “fully formulated lubricant composition,” and “lubricant”are considered synonymous, fully interchangeable terminology referringto the finished lubrication product comprising a major amount of a baseoil plus a minor amount of an additive composition.

As used herein, the terms “additive package,” “additive concentrate,”and “additive composition” are considered synonymous, fullyinterchangeable terminology referring to the portion of the lubricatingcomposition excluding the major amount of base oil stock mixture.

As used herein, the terms “agent” and “additive” are consideredsynonymous, fully interchangeable terminology referring to any singlefunctional component of a lubricating composition, excluding the majoramount of base oil stock mixture.

Additional objects and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and/or may be learned by practiceof the disclosure. The objects and advantages of the disclosure will berealized and attained by means of the elements and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The compounds of formula I can be prepared using the synthetic routeoutlined in Scheme I. The substituents in Scheme I have the same meaningas the substituents defined for formula I, with the exception that theR¹ substituent in formula I is represented in Scheme I as R¹, R^(1 ′),and R^(1″) as described more fully below.

From Scheme I, compounds of formula (1) and (1a) can be prepared byreacting a 1,3-diol (7), optionally substituted at the R^(1′) or R^(1″),R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ positions, with a phosphite compound of thegeneral formula P(OR¹)₃ (6), typically a trialkyl phosphite, such as,for example, triethyl or trimethyl phosphite, to produce a cyclicphosphite, a 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound (5). Under equal molarreaction conditions, compounds (7) and (6) react to yield as the majorproduct, 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compounds, where R¹′ of compound 5 isprovided by the R¹ functionality of the phosphite compound 6. However,when the diol compound (7) is provided in excess, for example a 3:2ratio, the major product is a 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound wherethe R¹′ functionality of compound 5 is provided by the diol compound(7). The 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound (5) is subsequently reactedwith a sulfur source (2), typically elemental sulfur or an organicsulfur compound such as sulfurized isobutylene (SIB) to yieldthiophosphate compounds, generally classed as2-sulfide-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compounds, compound (1).

Alternatively, the 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound (5) may be furtherreacted with an alcohol compound of the general formula R1″-OH (4), forexample a long-chain alcohol, such as oleyl alcohol, in atransesterification reaction to introduce functionality at the R^(1′)position of the 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound (5). The new1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound, compound (3), retains the R^(1″)functionality of the alcohol (4). The 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound(3) can be subsequently reacted with a sulfur source (2) to yield the2-sulfide-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane compound, compound (1a).

In some embodiments, one or more compounds according to formula I, or atribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof may be incorporatedinto a lubricating composition. A lubricant additive composition may beprepared comprising one or more compounds according to formula I, or atribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. A lubricantcomposition may comprise a) a major amount of a base oil; and b) a minoramount of an additive composition comprising one or more compounds offormula I, or a tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

Optional Additive Components

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the compounds of formula Imay be formulated into an additive composition and blended with a baseoil to obtain a lubricating fluid. Such a fluid may be formulatedoptionally with one or more selected ingredients and additives thatinclude, without limitation, those described hereinbelow. Such additivesmay include, but are not limited to, air expulsion additives,antifoamants (foam inhibitors), antioxidants, anti-rust additives,antiwear additives, colorants, corrosion inhibitors, dispersants,extreme pressure agents, friction modifiers, metal deactivators,metallic detergents, organic phosphorus compounds, pour pointdepressants, seal swell agents, and/or viscosity index improvers.Additives are generally described in C. V. Smalheer et al., LubricantAdditives, pages 1-11 (1967) and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,571, amongothers. The supplemental additives include those that are commerciallyavailable.

Suitable oil-soluble ashless dispersants may be selected from the groupconsisting of: a succinimide dispersant, a succinic ester dispersant, asuccininic ester-amide dispersant, a Mannich base dispersant,phosphorylated forms thereof, boronated forms thereof, andphosphorylated and boronated forms thereof.

In selecting any of the optional additives, it may be important toensure that the selected component(s) may be soluble or stablydispersible in the additive package and the finished lubricantcomposition, and may be compatible with the other components of thecomposition. By preference, a person skilled in the art may be expectedto choose an additional optional additive or combination of additives,amounts thereof, such that the performance properties of thecomposition, such as the improved extreme pressure or thermal stabilityperformance, among other properties, needed or desired, as applicable,in the overall finished composition, may not be substantially adverselyaffected.

In general, the ancillary additive components may be employed in thelubricating oil in minor amounts sufficient to improve the performancecharacteristics and properties of the base fluid. The amounts may thusvary in accordance with such factors as the viscosity characteristics ofthe base fluid employed, the viscosity characteristics desired in thefinished fluid, the service conditions for which the finished fluid isintended, and the performance characteristics desired in the finishedfluid.

However, generally speaking, the following general concentrations(weight percent unless otherwise indicated) of the additional componentsin the base fluids may be illustrative.

Respective amounts of additives may be blended into a selected base oilin amounts that may be sufficient to provide their expected performance.An effective amount for a specific formulation may be readilyascertained, but for illustrative purposes these general guides forrepresentative effective amounts are provided. The amounts below aregiven in weight % of the fully formulated lubricating fluid.

Example Ranges Component 1 and 2 (wt %) Antiwear Compound  0-10 0.3-6  Dispersant  0-20 2-8 EP Agent 0-5 2-4 Rust inhibitor   0-1.5 0.05-1.0 Corrosion Inhibitor 0-5 0.05-3   Demulsifier 0-5 0.005-1.0  AntifoamAgent   0-0.5 0.001-0.1  Diluent  0-10 1.0-5.0 Lubricating Base OilBalance

It will be appreciated that the individual components employed may beseparately blended into the base fluid or may be blended therein invarious sub-combinations, if desired. Ordinarily, the particularsequence of such blending steps is not crucial. Moreover, suchcomponents may be blended in the form of separate solutions in adiluent. It may be preferable, however, to blend the additive componentsused in the form of a concentrate, as this simplifies the blendingoperations, reduces the likelihood of blending errors, and takesadvantage of the compatibility and solubility characteristics affordedby the overall concentrate.

Additive concentrates may thus be formulated to contain all of theadditive components and if desired, some of the base oil component, inamounts proportioned to yield finished fluid blends consistent with theconcentrations described above. In most cases, the additive concentratewill contain one or more diluents such as light mineral oils, tofacilitate handling and blending of the concentrate. Thus concentratescontaining up to about 50 wt. % of one or more diluents or solvents maybe used, provided the solvents are not present in amounts that interferewith the low and high temperature and flash point characteristics andthe performance of the finished power transmission fluid composition. Inthis regard, the additive components used pursuant to this disclosuremay be selected and proportioned such that an additive concentrate orpackage formulated from such components will have a flash point of about170° C. or above, using the ASTM D-92 test procedure.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLES Example A

In the preparation of2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]-bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane),a 1 L reactor equipped with a thermocouple, distillation column,mechanical stirrer, and a 1 L round bottom receiving flask, was chargedwith triethyl phosphite (500 g) and neopentyl glycol (448 g). Themixture was heated to 100° C. to 120° C. for 3 hours under atmosphericpressures and then for 2 hours under reduced pressure, allowing lowboiling by-products to be distilled off. The resulting materialcontained a major proportion of2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]-bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane).

To sulfurize2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]-bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane)using elemental sulfur as the sulfur source, in a 1 L reactor, a mixturecontaining2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane)(471 g) was heated to 90° C. under nitrogen. Sulfur was added to thereactor and then the mixture was heated to 90° C. to 130° C. for 8 hoursresulting in a white solid containing a major portion of2,2′-sulfide-2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane).

As an alternative, in situ sulfurization of2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]-bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane)may use sulfurized isobutylene (SIB) as the sulfur source. In alubricating composition,2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane)was heated in the presence of excess sulfurized isobutylene at 60° C.for 1 hour. A major portion of the starting dioxaphosphorinane wassulfurized to2,2′-sulfide-2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]-bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane)as observed in P-31 NMR analyses of the lubricating composition.

Example B

In the preparation of 2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, a1 L reactor equipped with a thermocouple, distillation column,mechanical stirrer, and a 1 L round bottom receiving flask, was chargedwith triethyl phosphite (600 g) and neopentyl glycol (376 g). Themixture was heated to 100° C. to 110° C. for 3 hours under atmosphericpressures and then for 2 hours under reduced pressure, allowing lowboiling by-products to be distilled off. The resulting materialcontained a major proportion of2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane.

In situ sulfurization of2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis(5,5-dimethyl-,1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane)may use sulfurized isobutylene as the sulfur source. In a lubricatingcomposition, 2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane was heatedin the presence of excess sulfurized isobutylene at 60° C. for 1 hour. Amajor portion of the starting dioxaphosphorinane was sulfurized to2-sulfide-2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane as observed inP-31 NMR analyses of the lubricating composition.

Example C

In the preparation of 2-oleoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, a1 L reactor equipped with a thermocouple, distillation column,mechanical stirrer, and a 1 L round bottom receiving flask, was chargedwith triethyl phosphite (600 g) and neopentyl glycol (376 g). Themixture was heated to 100° C. to 110° C. for 3 hours under atmosphericpressures and then for 2 hours under reduced pressure, allowing lowboiling by-products to be distilled off. The resulting materialcontained a major proportion of2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane.

In a separate 1 L reactor, 267 g of2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane was heated to 100° C. inthe presence of 400 g of oleyl alcohol for 3 hours under reducedpressure. During this procedure, low boiling by-products were distilledoff. The resulting material contained a major portion of2-oleoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane.

In situ sulfurization of 2-oleoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinanemay use sulfurized isobutylene as the sulfur source. In a lubricatingcomposition, 2-oleoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane was heatedin the presence of excess sulfurized isobutylene at 60° C. for 1 hour. Amajor portion of the starting dioxaphosphorinane was sulfurized to2-sulfide-2-oleoxy-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane as observed inP-31 NMR analyses of the lubricating composition.

Example D

A 500 mL reactor equipped with a thermocouple, distillation column,mechanical stirrer and a 1 L round bottom receiving flask, was chargedwith triethyl phosphite (134 g) and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentane-diol(118 g). The pressure in the system was reduced to below 100 mmHg andthen increased back to atmospheric pressure with nitrogen. The mixturewas heated to 80° C. to 105° C. for 3 hrs under atmospheric pressuresand then for 2 hrs under reduced pressure (−28 inHg), allowing lowboiling by-products to be distilled off. The resulting materialcontained a major proportion of2-ethoxy-4-isopropyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane.

In a lubricating composition,2-ethoxy-4-isopropyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane was heated inthe presence of excess sulfurized isobutylene at 60° C. for 1 hr. Amajor portion of the starting dioxaphosphorinane was sulfurized to2-sulfide-2-ethoxy-4-isopropyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane asobserved in P-31 NMR analyses of the lubricating composition.

Example E

A 100 mL reactor equipped with a thermocouple, distillation column, anda 100 mL round bottom receiving flask, was charged with triethylphosphite (18 g) and 2,2-dibutyl-1,3-propandiol (20 g). The pressure inthe system was reduced to below 100 mmHg and then increased back toatmospheric pressure with nitrogen. The mixture was heated to 100° C. to110° C. for 3 hrs under atmospheric pressures and then for 2 hrs underreduced pressure (−28 inHg), allowing low boiling by-products to bedistilled off. The resulting material contained a major proportion2-ethoxy-5,5-dibutyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane.

In a lubricating composition,2-ethoxy-5,5-dibutyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane was heated in the presenceof excess sulfurized isobutylene at 60° C. for 1 hr. A major portion ofthe starting dioxaphosphorinane was sulfurized to2-sulfide-2-ethoxy-5,5-dibutyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane as observed inP-31 NMR analyses of the lubricating composition.

Test Samples

Finished fluid test Samples A, B, C, D and E were prepared includinganti-wear compounds according to Examples A, B, C, D and E,respectively. A sixth sample, test Sample F, was used as a control anddid not include a phosphorus-containing anti-wear agent. The testsamples were otherwise identical. Table 1 shows the test samplecompositions.

TABLE 1 Test Sample Compositions Component Concentration AntiwearExample A, B, C, D, or E 900 ppm Phosphorus Group I Base Oil 90-93 wt %Sulfurized isobutylene (SIB) Extreme Pressure Agent 3.5 wt % Amine RustInhibitor(s) 0.5 wt % Corrosion Inhibitor(s) 0.15 wt % Demulsifier 0.01wt % Dispersant 1.3 wt % Anti-Foamant 0.04 wt % Diluent 1.6 wt %Tests

Samples A, B, C, D, E, and F were subjected to the L-37 Test Green(according to ASTM D6121). The L-37 Test Green measures a lubricant'sability to protect final drive axles from abrasive wear, adhesive wear,plastic deformation, and surface fatigue when subjected to low-speed,high torque conditions. Lack of protection may lead to premature gearand/or bearing failure. After the test is completed, the ring gear,pinion, and pinion meeting are removed from the gear set and rated.Passing conditions for this test are given in Table 2.

TABLE 2 ASTM D6121 (L-37) Test Green Passing Conditions ObservationPassing Rating (10 Max) Broken Teeth NO Wear >5 Rippling >8 Ridging >8Pitting/Spalling >9.3 Scoring 10

Each of the finished fluid Samples A, B, C, D, E, and F were run in agreen L-37 test according to ASTM D6121. At the end of the test, thegear set was rated according to ASTM D6121. Samples A, B, C, D and Egave passing results and demonstrated the utility of Examples A, B, C, Dand E as anti-wear components in a typical gear oil (Table 3).

TABLE 3 L-37 Test Results Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample A BC D E F Pass/Fail Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Fail Wear 7 9 8 8 8 4Rippling 10 10 10 10 10 5 Ridging 10 10 9 10 10 7 Pitting/Spalling 9.910 9.9 9.9 10 7 Scoring 10 10 10 10 10 10

It is understood that lubricant compositions and/or lubricant additivesaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further exhibitsufficient thermal stability in anti-wear performance.

At numerous places throughout this specification, reference has beenmade to a number of U.S. patents, European Patent Applications(published), PCT International patent publications, and literaturereferences. All such cited documents are expressly incorporated in fullinto this disclosure as if fully set forth herein.

As used throughout the specification and claims, “a” and/or “an” mayrefer to one or more than one. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbersexpressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecularweight, percent, ratio, reaction conditions, and so forth used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andclaims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desiredproperties sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the veryleast, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth inthe specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Anynumerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarilyresulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testingmeasurements.

While the present disclosure has been principally demonstratedhereinabove in the examples as a gear fluid having improved gearantiwear, it is contemplated that the benefits of the fluid embodimentare similarly applicable to other lubricating fluids. Included withinthe scope of the present disclosure may be, but not limited to, gearoils, hydraulic fluids, engine oils, heavy duty hydraulic fluids,industrial oils, power steering fluids, pump oils, tractor fluids, anduniversal tractor fluids. Apparatus embodiments may include, but are notlimited to, gears, engines, hydraulic mechanisms, power steeringdevices, pumps and the like incorporating a lubricating fluid accordingto the present disclosure.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification, FIG. 1 andpractice of the embodiments disclosed and suggested herein. It isintended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplaryonly, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated bythe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for improving the anti-wear propertiesof a lubricating fluid comprising including the steps of: (1) providinga base oil for the lubricating fluid and (2) adding to the base oil aneffective amount of one or more compounds of formula I,

or a tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R¹, R²,R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkenyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein said (C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein said (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkenyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclylsubstituents are optionally substituted by one to three moietiesindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxyl, —(C₁-C₁₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₆)alkenyl, —CN, —NR⁸R⁹, —OR^(B),—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁵, —SO₂NR⁸R⁹,NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰ and —CONR⁸R¹¹; wherein R⁸ and R¹¹ of said —CONR⁸R¹¹group may be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached toform a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are each substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl and said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally interrupted by one to threeelements independently selected from the group consisting of —(C═O),—SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, —NR¹⁵, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵ R⁸ or R⁹ substituents areoptionally substituted by one to three moieties independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, chalcogen, —CF₃, —CN,—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl,—N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂, —N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂, —N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂,—N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂, —N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂, —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰,SO₂NR⁸R⁹, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and —CONR¹⁰R¹¹; whereinR¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹ group may be taken together with thenitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein R⁸ and R⁹ may be taken together with the atom(s)to which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, wherein said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one to threemoieties selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CF₃, —NO₂, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl,—(C₂-C₆)alkynyl, —C═N—OH, —C═N—O((C₁-C₆)alkyl), —NR¹⁰R¹¹, OR¹⁵,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁵, —CONR¹⁰R¹¹, CONR⁸R¹¹,—SR¹⁰, —SOR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, NHCOR¹⁵, —NR¹⁵CONR¹⁰R¹¹, and—NR¹²SO₂R¹⁰, wherein said —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl and —(C₂-C₆)alkynyl moietiesof said —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group may be optionally substituted by oneto three R¹⁰ groups, and said —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionallyinterrupted by one to three elements independently selected from thegroup consisting of —(C═O), —SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, and —NR¹⁵;wherein R¹⁰ is a substituent selected from the group consisting of—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl R¹⁰substituents are optionally substituted by one to three moietiesindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR¹⁵, and —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl; wherein R¹¹ is asubstituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl R¹¹radicals are optionally substituted by one to three moietiesindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH₂, —NHR¹², —NR¹² ₂, OR¹²,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹³, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹³, and—CONR¹³R¹⁴; wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ of —CONR¹³R¹⁴ may be taken together withthe nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein R¹² and R¹³ are each independently,hydrogen, or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; wherein R¹⁴ is hydrogen or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl;and wherein R¹⁵ is a substituent selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl R¹⁵ substituent is optionally substituted by one tothree moieties independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halogen, —CF₃, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂, —N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂,—N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂, —N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂, —N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂,—O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and —CONR¹⁰R¹¹; whereinR¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹ group may be taken together with theatoms which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉) heterocyclyl.
 2. Amethod for improving the anti-wear properties of a lubricating fluidwhile lubricating an automotive component requiring lubrication,comprising: 1) adding a lubricating fluid to an automotive componentrequiring lubrication, said fluid comprising (a) a base oil, and (b) oneor more compounds of formula I,

or a tribologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; and 2) operatingthe automotive component that contains the fluid, wherein the anti-wearperformance of the fluid is improved relative to the performance of alubricating fluid free of the compound of 1) (b); and wherein R¹, R²,R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkenyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein said (C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein said (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkenyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, and —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclylsubstituents are optionally substituted by one to three moietiesindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxyl, —(C₁-C₁₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₆)alkenyl, —CN, —NR⁸R⁹, —OR⁸,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁵, —SO₂NR⁸R⁹,NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰ and —CONR⁸R¹¹; wherein R⁸ and R¹¹ of said —CONR⁸R¹¹group may be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached toform a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are each substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl and said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally interrupted by one to threeelements independently selected from the group consisting of —(C═O),—SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, —NR¹⁵, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵; wherein said —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, COR¹⁵ and —SO₂R¹⁵R⁸ or R⁹ substituents areoptionally substituted by one to three moieties independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, chalcogen, —CF₃, —CN,—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl,—N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂, —N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂, —N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂,—N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂, —N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂, —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl,—O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰,SO₂NR⁸R⁹, NR¹⁵SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and —CONR¹⁰R¹¹; whereinR¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹ group may be taken together with thenitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein R⁸ and R⁹ may be taken together with the atom(s)to which they are attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, wherein said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one to threemoieties selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, —CF₃, —NO₂, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl,—(C₂-C₆)alkynyl, —C═N—OH, —C═N—O((C₁-C₆)alkyl), —NR¹⁰R¹¹, —OR¹⁵,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁵, —CONR¹⁰R¹¹,—CONR⁸R¹¹, —SR¹⁰, —SOR¹⁰, —SO₂R¹⁰, —SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NHCOR¹⁵,—NR¹⁵CONR¹⁰R¹¹, and —NR¹²SO₂R¹⁰, wherein said —(C₂-C₆)alkenyl and—(C₂-C₆)alkynyl moieties of said —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group may beoptionally substituted by one to three R¹⁰ groups, and said—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl group is optionally interrupted by one to threeelements independently selected from the group consisting of —(C═O),—SO₂, —S—, —O—, —P—, —N—, —NH—, and —NR¹⁵; wherein R¹⁰ is a substituentselected from the group consisting of —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl; whereinsaid —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl R¹⁰ substituents are optionallysubstituted by one to three moieties independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—NR¹⁵, and —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl; wherein R¹¹ is a substituent selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl; whereinsaid —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉) heteroaryl R¹¹ radicals are optionallysubstituted by one to three moieties independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—NH₂, —NHR¹², —NR¹² ₂, OR¹², —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—CO₂R¹³, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹³, and —CONR¹³R¹⁴; wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ of—CONR¹³R¹⁴ may be taken together with the nitrogen atom to which theyare attached to form a —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl; wherein R¹² and R¹³ areeach independently, hydrogen, or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; wherein R¹⁴ is hydrogenor —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; and wherein R¹⁵ is a substituent selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl; whereinsaid —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, and —(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl R¹⁵ substituent is optionallysubstituted by one to three moieties independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, halogen, —CF₃, —CN, —(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—NH(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NH(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —NH(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl,—NH(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —NH(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl, —N((C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂,—N((C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl)₂, —N((C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl)₂, —N((C₆-C₁₀)aryl)₂,—N((C₁-C₉)heteroaryl)₂, —O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —O(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,—O(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —O(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, —O(C₁-C₉)heteroaryl,—(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, —(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl, —CO₂R¹⁰, —CONH₂, —CONHR¹⁰, and—CONR¹⁰R¹¹; wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ of said —CONR¹⁰R¹¹ group may be takentogether with the atoms which they are attached to form a—(C₂-C₉)heterocyclyl.